About Us

Our non-profit, independent, locally-funded, and volunteer-run organization is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become more active physically through the benefits of athletic training, team building and fair competition for Stark County’s Special Olympic athletes that attend or have graduated from public schools in Stark County. 

We currently provide training and opportunities for competition in nine sports: Basketball, Bowling, Gymnastics, Figure Skating, Softball, Speed Skating, Powerlifting, Tennis, and Track & Field at NO charge to anyone.

Our athletes are a vital part of our community. Did you know that one out of every five families is touched in some way by a developmental or physical disability?

Known as the “Royal Knights,” they proudly wear uniforms of royal blue with white lettering or white with royal blue lettering during competition.

Stark Public Special Olympics has been providing a variety of sports programs to Stark County school-age qualifying athletes for 21 years. Approximately 100 athletes currently participate in the program with the help of  25-40 coaches and volunteers.

We are not sponsored or affiliated with any specific school district or board of education, but are open to all students with intellectual disabilities in various schools across Stark County starting at age 8.

There are no paid positions in our organization. Our Local Coordinator and all of the coaches are volunteers–gladly sharing their skills and time free of charge.

100% of our fundraising proceeds are used directly to assist the athletes and sports programs.

Our program emphasizes what people with disabilities CAN DO. The support of local individuals and organizations makes it possible to offer our sports programs. Athletes with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence, and a more positive self-image. They grow mentally, socially and spiritually and, through their activities, exhibit boundless courage and enthusiasm, enjoy the rewards of friendship and ultimately discover not only new abilities and talents but “their voices” as well.

If you are interested in coaching or assisting with any of the above sports or if have an athlete that may be interested in participating in one or more of our athletic programs, you contact Janet Brunecz, our Local Coordinator by email (spso@sbcglobal.net) or phone: 330-494-9072.

Special Olympics Athlete’s Oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Special Olympics is exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.